Our cultural values are declining, and this is not only affecting our behaviour but also making us increasingly apathetic towards others. Today, many people no longer value their parents or teachers, which reflects what we are becoming as a society.
In our attempt to appear modern and adopt Western culture, we must remember that this does not mean forgetting or disrespecting our own heritage.
What’s even more concerning is that we are, consciously or unconsciously, disrespecting our gods and goddesses—beings who once commanded the highest respect.
Here’s how we are showing disrespect to the deities we once revered:
- God’s names and images are printed on clothes—people wear these clothes while eating non-vegetarian food or even while using the washroom, which is a form of disrespect.
- Jewellery shaped like God’s idols has become a fashion trend, but wearing such jewellery while eating non-vegetarian food or touching it with dirty hands shows disrespect.
- Many food products are named after Gods. After using these products, their packets often get thrown into dustbins or onto the streets, where they may end up under someone’s feet—this too is disrespectful.
- God’s names and images are printed on puja items. Once used, the packets or covers are carelessly discarded outside, which shows a lack of reverence.
- Sacred rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati are called our mothers, yet we continue polluting them without hesitation.
- During festivals, people bring idols of Gods to pandals but play vulgar or filmy songs during the puja and immersion (visarjan), which disrespects the sanctity of the occasion.
- Flags printed with God’s images or names are tied to vehicles during religious functions or processions. When these flags fall down, people often ignore them instead of respectfully picking them up.
- Many people visit temples wearing fashionable or objectionable clothes, which is considered disrespectful in sacred spaces.
- Some people get tattoos of God’s images or names on inappropriate body parts, like the feet, ankles, or legs, where such sacred symbols should never be placed.